Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Maldives

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Maldives.

Terrain: flat, with white sandy beaches
Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)
Highest Point: 2 — unnamed location on Wilingili island in the Addu Atoll 2.4 m
Lowest Point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources: Fish and marine resources form the backbone of Maldives' natural resource base. The surrounding Indian Ocean waters are extraordinarily rich in marine biodiversity, supporting robust populations of tuna — particularly skipjack and yellowfin — which have long driven the country's fishing industry and export economy. Coral reefs, which cover a vast area of the archipelago's shallow waters, serve as critical ecosystems supporting both fisheries and the tourism sector. Freshwater resources are severely limited due to the low-lying island geography, making rainwater harvesting and desalination essential for the population. The Maldives has no significant mineral or fossil fuel deposits, leaving it almost entirely dependent on imported energy. Sand, coral, and groundwater are present but increasingly stressed by rising sea levels and coastal erosion linked to climate change — making sustainable management of these limited natural resources a growing national priority.
Natural Hazards: low level of islands makes them very sensitive to sea level rise

Current Environmental Issues: depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies; global warming and sea level rise; coral reef bleaching
International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Detailed geography